Mysterious Canine Respiratory Illiness

Unless you've been in hiding you have probably heard about this new respiratory illness popping up in dogs all over the country. 

Our friends at Scout Veterinary Care shared with us what they know.

We also found heard on NPR (linked below) it seems respiratory things pop up in dogs during especially high travel times of year and we should remain calm. We know our babies best; keep an eye on them and advocate for their health if needed (though we hope no one in our community has to deal with this mysterious illness). 

Here is what Scout shared with us: 

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What we know
A mysterious respiratory illness in dogs has been reported in several states across the country, including Illinois. As veterinarians continue to search for what may be causing the condition, here’s what we do know:

The illness starts out as a cough that can last for several weeks and may not respond to typical treatment, such as antibiotics. In some cases, dogs have developed pneumonia which can result in difficulty breathing. Dogs are not testing positive for any of the common respiratory viruses or bacteria. 

Symptoms

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Nose/Eye Discharge
• Labored Breathing
• Lethargy
• Decrease Appetite

Keeping your pup safe

• Ensure that your dog is up to date on vaccines
• Avoid high traffic dog areas (e.g., dog parks, daycare, boarding, etc.)
• ​Avoid shared water/food bowls and toys 

What to Do

• If your dog is coughing, have them evaluated by your veterinarian or book an appointment at Scout.

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Here is a 3 minute piece on it from NPR. 

If you have concerns surrounding your pet's health, reach out to your provider to discuss.